Servo Motor Voltages: 12V vs. 14V Explained

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SUMMARY

Servo motors labeled as "12V" typically operate at a minimum of 12V, but performance specifications, such as torque ratings, are often tested at 14V. This discrepancy arises because 14V aligns with common lithium polymer (LiPo) battery voltages. Operating a 12V servo at higher voltages increases speed but reduces lifespan. For example, lead-acid batteries maintain 12V under load but can reach 14V when charged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of servo motor specifications
  • Knowledge of battery voltage characteristics, particularly for lead-acid and LiPo batteries
  • Familiarity with torque ratings and their implications on performance
  • Basic electronics principles related to voltage and current
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Servo Motor Voltage Ratings" for detailed specifications
  • Explore "LiPo Battery Voltage Characteristics" to understand charging and discharging
  • Learn about "Torque Ratings in Servo Motors" and their impact on performance
  • Investigate "Battery Types for Robotics" to compare lead-acid and LiPo options
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, robotics engineers, and hobbyists working with servo motors and battery systems will benefit from this discussion.

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TL;DR
12V servos using 14V in datasheet?
I would like to understand why servo motors often state they are a "12V servo" but then in the datasheet they will refer to tests and torque ratings at 14V? I'm assuming 14V is chosen due to common lipo battery voltages, but then why call it a 12V servo motor?
 
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Can you please link to an example datasheet.

A 12V servo expects to operate on a minimum of 12V, and will have a long life. If you operate it at higher voltages it will operate proportionally faster and have a shorter life.

Lead acid batteries maintain 12 volts when loaded, but they have 14 volts while being charged.
 
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Baluncore said:
Can you please link to an example datasheet.

A 12V servo expects to operate on a minimum of 12V, and will have a long life. If you operate it at higher voltages it will operate proportionally faster and have a shorter life.

Lead acid batteries maintain 12 volts when loaded, but they have 14 volts while being charged.

Thanks, that makes sense. Here's what I was looking at previously (not exactly a datasheet):

https://au-m.banggood.com/JX-CLS-12...8xP1Bzmidg_f6FRu1ElzfUR6AE46JRFRoCom8QAvD_BwE
 
"Voltage must be lower than 14V" 12V nominal and 14V is the max.
 

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